Consumer sentiment slipped 5% in August, marking the first decline in four months.
Inflation worries drove a sharp drop in buying conditions for durable goods, falling 14% to a one-year low.
Inflation expectations rose across the board, with year-ahead projections climbing to 4.9%.
U.S. consumer sentiment declined in August for the first time since spring, reflecting renewed concerns about inflation and household finances, according to a preliminary University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers report. The full survey will be released at the end of the month.
The sentiment index fell about 5% from July, breaking a three-month streak of improvement. Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers, said the downturn was fueled largely by growing worries about rising prices. Consumers outlook on buying conditions for durable goods plunged 14%, hitting its lowest level in a year, as households felt the pinch of elevated costs.
Finances under pressure
The survey found that current personal finances weakened modestly, with many respondents citing diminished purchasing power. At the same time, expected personal finances ticked up slightly, supported by a modest firming in income expectationsthough overall sentiment about future earnings remained muted.
Hsu noted that consumers are no longer anticipating the kind of worst-case economic scenarios that loomed in April, when reciprocal tariffs briefly threatened to intensify inflationary pressures. Still, worries about both inflation and unemployment remain at the forefront of household concerns.
Increased worries about inflation
Inflation expectations shifted upward in August after easing for several months. The survey showed year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.9%, up from 4.5% in July. The increase was broad-based, cutting across demographics and political affiliations. Long-run inflation expectations also edged higher, climbing to 3.9% from 3.4% last month.
While both measures remain below the peaks recorded in April and May 2025, the uptick points to ongoing uncertainty about the economys trajectory. August marked the end of a two-month decline in short-run inflation expectations and a three-month decline in long-run forecasts.
Consumers continue to expect both inflation and unemployment to deteriorate in the future, Hsu said.
The July Consumer Price Index remained flat compared to June, with few signs of inflation. However, the July Producer Price Index rose 0.9% from June, suggesting building inflation at the wholesale level.
Ohio case highlights rising elder fraud risks: A scammers attempt to steal home equity through a reverse mortgage was thwarted.
SmartPolicy technology stopped the crime: EquityProtects system locked the property title, forcing lender verification.
Billions lost to elder annually: Financial crimes against seniors surged 46% in 2024, according to the FBI.
Title lock halts reverse mortgage scam
A title theft attempt against an elderly homeowner in Columbus, Ohio, was stopped this summer thanks to a fraud prevention tool designed to protect property owners from unauthorized transactions.
The case involved a scammer who had persuaded an older man to secure a reverse mortgage on his home in an effort to steal his equity. But the homeowners daughter, who holds Power of Attorney and Guardianship over his real estate, had previously enrolled the property with EquityProtect, a Nevada-based company specializing in real estate fraud prevention.
EquityProtects patented technology blocked the attempted transaction by locking the homes title. When the lender sought authorization to proceed, the request was flagged and routed to the daughter, who confirmed her father had no need for the loan.
Family intervention prevents financial loss
I was shocked when I heard from EquityProtect that my father was attempting to take out a mortgage on his home, as he has no need, the victims daughter said. We have been dealing with the influence this scammer has over my father for years, and I cannot imagine how horrific it would have been if they had succeeded."
The homeowners identity is being withheld due to the sensitive nature of the case and an ongoing investigation.
Elder fraud on the rise
Financial crimes targeting seniors are becoming increasingly common. The FBIs Boston Division reported $4.88 billion in losses from elder fraud in 2024, representing a 46% jump in complaints and a 43% increase in reported losses from the prior year.
EquityProtect offers unmatched protection from title theft because, unlike other systems out there, it stops the crime before it actually occurs, said Jon Dovidio, the companys vice president of business development.
Prevention Tips: How to protect seniors from title fraud
Monitor property records: Regularly check your county recorders office to confirm no unauthorized liens or mortgages have been filed.
Use title lock services: Consider enrolling vulnerable family members in fraud-prevention programs that freeze title transfers until verified.
Secure legal authority: Establish Power of Attorney or guardianship if a loved one is at risk of being influenced by scammers.
Educate seniors about : Talk openly about common fraud tactics, such as investment opportunities or urgent financial decisions.
Guard personal information: Shred documents, avoid sharing Social Security numbers, and use secure passwords.
What to do if you suspect title fraud
Act quickly: Contact your county recorders office to flag any unauthorized filings.
Alert authorities: Report suspected fraud to your local police and state attorney generals office.
Contact your lender: If a fraudulent mortgage has been initiated, notify the bank immediately.
Check your credit: Order free credit reports to look for unusual activity.
File an FTC complaint: Use the Federal Trade Commissions identity theft portal to create a recovery plan.
Quick Checklist
Review property title records regularly
Consider title lock protection
Set up Power of Attorney if needed
Educate loved ones about
Report suspicious activity immediately
A new study found that nearly half of fitness app users skipped meals or overexercised just to meet AI-generated goals.
Experts warn of mental health risks, with 61% of users reporting anxiety when they miss a day of logging and many quitting apps due to app fatigue.
Balance is key, and listening to your body is paramount over rigid app targets.
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of our everyday lives from shopping recommendations to workplace tools.
But what happens when AI follows us into the gym? Fitness apps that promise smarter workouts and personalized health tips are gaining traction, yet a new study from Levity suggests that the impact isnt always so positive.
Nearly half of users surveyed admitted to skipping meals or overexercising just to keep up with app-generated goals, and personal trainers say theyre increasingly stepping in to undo harmful advice.
ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Zoe Lees, Medical Writer at Levity, to unpack how AI-powered fitness tools can influence both our physical and mental health and why its worth looking beyond the glossy promises on your phone screen.
One thing we dont talk about enough is app fatigue, Dr. Lees said. More than a quarter of users told us that theyve quit using fitness apps because they started to damage their mental health. At some point, success looks less like hitting every metric and more like knowing when to step back and reassess your priorities.
How is AI affecting fitness trackers?
Whether you have a wearable device, or an app that logs your workouts and calories, were no stranger to the ways that technology intersects with fitness. But what role does AI play?
AI has definitely made fitness apps smarter, turning them into personal coaches that can track nearly everything, Dr. Lees said. But theres a fine line between helpful and harmful.
According to our research, nearly half of personal trainers have witnessed clients develop disordered habits, such as skipping meals or overexercising, to meet fitness goals. Is that really motivation, or just pressure disguised as progress?
Are there pros and cons?
According to Dr. Lees, there are pros and cons to these AI-powered tools. For starters, one of the biggest perks is the structure they provide.
They keep people accountable and provide a real sense of direction, Dr. Lees said.
However, they can also take a serious mental toll.
Sixty-one percent of users report feeling anxious when they miss a day of logging, and 30% say they follow the apps goals even when it conflicts with their body's needs. Its easy to become more focused on streaks and stats than your actual well-being.
Listening to your body
When theres pressure from apps and fitness trackers, it can be hard to block out the noise. However, Dr. Lees says that listening to your body is paramount.
If your app is telling you to ignore hunger or push through fatigue, thats your cue to hit pause, she said. If the app says push harder, but your body says rest, rest wins. These tools are meant to support your health, not silence your instincts, and trusting your body is just as important as tracking it.
Finding the right balance
Having a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is important and ultimately a positive thing. Dr. Lees warns consumers about taking it too far and ignoring key signs that youve over done.
Her best advice: find the right balance.
The most balanced approach should be to use AI as a compass, not a controller, she explained. If you miss a workout or side-step your meal plan, thats just part of the process, and youre not a failure.
Real progress comes from combining smart tracking with real-life flexibility, and ideally, guidance from a trainer or health professional who can help filter out the noise.
Dollar General is joining the pre-holiday sales event race.
Shoppers can expect daily deals on exclusive items across the Dollar General suite of products.
Starting October 30, Dollar General will host weekly three-day sales events from Thursday to Saturday to help shoppers further prepare for the holidays.
With Amazon, Target, and Walmart hosting pre-holiday sales events in the coming days, Dollar General is the latest retailer to jump on board.
The discount chain announced its Jolly Good Deals sale, which will run from October 5-11.
Our goal is to show up in meaningful ways with even more value, everyday solutions and a little holiday magic, Emily Taylor, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in a news release.
We know the holidays can be stressful, and were here to help make them more affordable, joyful and memorable through fantastic finds and hidden gems that meet our customers budgets.
What can shoppers expect?
During the week-long Jolly Good Deals sale, shoppers can expect exclusive savings with daily, one-day only deals.
Some discounts shoppers can expect include:
Craig Bluetooth Speaker regularly $20.50, on sale for $8
Smithfield Roll Sausage regularly $4.95, on sale 2 for $6
Buy One, Get One Free offers on:
Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix
True Living Bakeware
Lilys Toaster Grills
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks
Dial assorted varieties
Season-long savings
In addition to this anticipated sale, Dollar General will also be hosting weekly three-day sales events every Thursday through Saturday. This officially kicks off on October 30, and will run throughout the holiday season.
The retailer has highlighted some deals to expect during those sales:
Scope: About 470 test kits sold on Amazon between May and August 2025
Immediate action: Stop use and contact Almpal for a refund
About 470 Almpal dissolved oxygen test kits are being recalled because the included sulfuric acid bottle is not child-resistant. This violates federal requirements and poses a serious poisoning risk to children if the contents are swallowed. The affected kits were sold on Amazon between May and August 2025.
No incidents or injuries have been reported, but consumers should take immediate action to protect children from potential harm.
The hazard
The test kits contain a bottle of sulfuric acid that does not meet mandatory child-resistant packaging standards, creating a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if swallowed by young children.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled test kits and store them out of reach of children. Contact Almpal for a refund.
Company contact
Almpal can be reached via email at lehapet@hotmail.com for more information.
Gunaito dresser recall for tip-over and entrapment risk
Owners of these dressers should stop using them unless secured and request a refund.
Hazard: Unstable dressers can tip over, risking injury or death to children
Scope: About 610 units sold on Walmart.com from December 2024 to August 2025
Immediate action: Stop use unless anchored and contact Gunaito for a refund
About 610 Gunaito 10-drawer dressers are being recalled due to instability when not anchored to a wall, posing a tip-over and entrapment hazard. The dressers were sold online at Walmart.com between December 2024 and August 2025.
No injuries have been reported, but the risk can be severe, especially for children.
The hazard
The recalled dressers do not meet federal stability standards and can tip over if not properly anchored, posing serious injury or death risks.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the dresser if it is not anchored to the wall. Contact Gunaito for instructions on obtaining a refund.
Blossom childrens loungewear recall for burn hazard
Families should stop using these lounge sets and seek a refund from Blossom.
Hazard: Loungewear fails flammability standards, risking burns or death
Scope: About 630 sets sold at boutiques and online from September 2023 to May 2025
Immediate action: Stop use and contact Blossom for a refund
Blossom is recalling about 630 childrens loungewear sets after they were found to violate federal flammability standards for childrens sleepwear. The risk of burn injury or death prompted the action. The sets were sold at several childrens boutiques and online retailers between September 2023 and May 2025.
No incidents have been reported, but families should act quickly to prevent harm.
The hazard
The recalled loungewear does not meet mandatory flammability requirements for childrens sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries or death.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the loungewear sets and keep them away from children. Contact Blossom for refund instructions.
Company contact
Blossom can be reached collect at 256-481-8838 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email at sales@blossomocc.com or online at https://www.blossomocc.com/pages/recall or www.blossomocc.com (click Recall at the top).
Zyntony recall of thousands of Kogalla power banks for fire hazard Owners should stop using affected power banks and request a free replacement from Zyntony.
Hazard: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and ignite, causing fire and burn risks
Scope: About 2,400 Kogalla power banks sold between June 2024 and January 2025
Immediate action: Stop use and contact Zyntony for a replacement
Zyntony is recalling about 2,400 Kogalla power banks, including models BP125, BatPak 2F and BatPak 3F, due to a risk that the lithium-ion batteries may overheat and ignite. The affected products were sold on Kogalla.com from June 2024 to January 2025.
There have been two reports of batteries overheating and catching fire, including one minor burn injury and property damage.
The hazard
The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in these power banks may overheat and catch fire, even when not in use, posing fire and burn hazards.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled power banks immediately and contact Zyntony to receive a free replacement.
Evermore Surprise Eggs recall for lead poisoning risk
Consumers should stop using these eggs and their toys and request a refund.
Hazard: Toy airplane contains excessive lead, posing toxic risk to children
Scope: About 98,350 units sold nationwide in March and April 2025
Immediate action: Stop use and contact In Motion Design for a refund
About 98,350 Evermore Surprise Eggs are being recalled because the included toy airplane contains lead levels that exceed federal limits. Lead is especially dangerous for young children and can cause serious health issues. The eggs were sold at major convenience store chains nationwide during March and April 2025.
No injuries have been reported, but the risk is significant.
The hazard
The toy airplane found inside the Evermore Surprise Eggs contains lead above the federal limit. Lead exposure is toxic to children and can cause lasting health problems.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Surprise Eggs and the enclosed toys. Contact In Motion Design for a refund.
Pediatric hospitals are treating children with second- and third-degree burns tied to ramen cooking video
Social media clips encourage kids to prepare instant noodles without supervision
Safety experts urge parents to monitor viral trends and keep boiling water off-limits
Ramen noodles are a staple in many American households, especially among teenagers and college students. But a recent TikTok trend is drawing in younger children some as young as seven to prepare the noodles on their own.
The results, doctors warn, can be catastrophic.
Across the U.S., pediatric burn units have reported a spike in cases linked to children spilling boiling water while cooking ramen. Several hospitals say the injuries are severe enough to require skin grafts and weeks of recovery.
Why the trend went viral
TikTok videos featuring quick and creative ramen recipes have racked up millions of views. In many, children are shown seasoning noodles, mixing sauces, or adding toppings without adult help. Experts say the platforms algorithm rewards eye-catching life hacks, even when they put kids at risk.
We've definitely had patients that have had to stay in hospital with us as a result of hot soup and hot noodles falling on them, Jason Bresky, a registered nurse and trauma and burn injury prevention and outreach coordinator at Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital, told NBC CT.
Some clips encourage microwaving noodles in open containers or attempting stovetop cooking without protective gear both scenarios that dramatically increase the chance of burns.
What parents can do
Consumer advocates urge parents to:
Talk with children about the risks of cooking unsupervised
Place microwaves and cooking appliances out of reach for younger kids
Monitor social media use to understand what trends children may be exposed to
Doctors also recommend switching to safer kid-friendly cooking projects if children want to try making food on their own.
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